The Washington Wizards are looking to their 2026 draft class to help turn the page after a difficult finish to the 2025-26 season. The team lost its final five games, including a 130-117 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 12, 2026, to close the year. With the first and 26th overall picks, the Wizards selected two prospects, AJ Dybantsa and Karter Knox, who carry significant expectations for their rookie campaigns. Their development will be a major focus as the franchise builds for the future.
What are the expectations for AJ Dybantsa?
AJ Dybantsa, the first overall pick from BYU, is expected to make a deeper defensive impact. At six-foot-nine, he has the size and athleticism to be a star. His offensive skill is already advanced, particularly when attacking the basket and using his length to finish.
But the Wizards need him to commit on the other end of the floor. Improving his defensive awareness and effort will be the primary goal for his first year. If he can become a reliable two-way wing, it changes the entire outlook for Washington's defense. You can track his progress and other player stats on our stats page throughout the season.
Dybantsa has the physical tools to guard multiple positions. Coaches will work with him on positioning and team defensive concepts. A jump in steals and blocks would be a clear sign he's trending in the right direction. His rookie year won't be defined by scoring averages alone.
What is expected from Karter Knox?
For Karter Knox, selected 26th overall, the expectation is to provide reliable three-point shooting. The Wizards need floor spacers, and Knox's shooting stroke is his best NBA-ready skill. He must prove he can knock down open shots consistently at the professional level.
His ability to stretch the defense will create driving lanes for teammates. Knox doesn't need to be a high-volume scorer right away. His role is to be a specialist who can be trusted in late-game situations. Shooting above 36% from beyond the arc would be a successful start.
Knox will also need to hold his own defensively to earn rotation minutes. He has decent size for a wing but will face stronger, faster opponents every night. Building his body and understanding NBA schemes is part of the year-one process.
How does last season's finish affect the rookies?
The team's recent form, an 0-5 record to end last season, underscores the need for immediate contributors. While patience is required for development, the Wizards cannot afford another long losing streak. The rookies will be thrown into the fire early, learning through trial and error.
Head coach Brian Keefe will likely give both players meaningful minutes to accelerate their growth. The environment is one of rebuilding, but competitive habits must be established. The 130-117 loss to Cleveland showed the defensive gaps the team must address, an area where Dybantsa can help.
Fans should expect ups and downs as both players adjust. The key is visible improvement from November to April. Tracking their plus-minus and on/off court numbers will give a clearer picture of their impact beyond basic box score stats.
What's the long-term outlook for this duo?
In the long haul, Dybantsa has the potential to be the cornerstone the franchise has sought. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism is rare. Knox could develop into a valuable role player, a three-and-D wing that every contending team needs.
Their success is tied to the Wizards' overall roster construction. The front office must continue to add talent around them. The 2026-27 season is the first step in a multi-year plan. You can follow the team's roster moves and injury updates on our roster and injuries pages.
Development isn't linear, so setbacks are inevitable. The coaching staff's job is to keep both players confident and focused on incremental gains. If they meet their first-year expectations, the Wizards will have a much stronger foundation for 2027-28 and beyond.
